Published November 18, 2023

Brenda O’Farrell
The Advocate

Farmers have higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety compared with the general population, according to a new study published this fall.

In fact, the levels of stress and anxiety are becoming so pervasive among agricultural producers that it has been described as a mental-health crisis, according to the report published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

One of the reasons for the accelerations, say the study’s authors, is the fact that efforts to address the situation have focused on care rather than addressing the underlying causes of poor farmer mental health – financial uncertainty and the climate crisis.

“Key factors contributing to the economic precarity of farmers and farm workers include unfettered corporate concentration in the food sector, consolidation and financialization of farmland, climate change and trade liberalization,” the report states.

Based on these findings, this report makes the following six recommendations:

Recommendation 1: Implement policies that enhance economic stability for farmers and farm workers. Since economic instability is a key driver of poor mental health, implementing policies to enhance economic stability for farmers and farm workers is critical. These include policies that address key drivers of economic uncertainty,  like commodity volatility, corporate concentration and the climate crisis. Stronger competition policies also would foster a more equitable distribution of power within the food system.

Recommendation 2: Enhance supports to farmers transitioning to sustainable farming practices. Promoting the adoption of sustainable farming practices and agro-ecological approaches would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance crop productivity, soil fertility and biodiversity.

Recommendation 3: Include food sovereignty in the federal goals for agriculture. The Canadian government should be facilitating the growth of sustainable and local food systems. This includes prioritizes the health and well-being of farmers, farm workers, communities and the environment.

Recommendation 4: Rebuild rural infrastructure. To counter intensifying rural de-population in agricultural communities across Canada, governments at all levels need to revitalize and rebuild rural infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and transportation and communication systems.

Recommendation 5: Address on-going discrimination and violence in the farming sector. In order to make an inclusive farming environment, governments must take meaningful action against violence towards Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, as well as 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and women.

Recommendation 6: Expand access to mental health care for farmers and support existing farm organizations that are providing support, advocacy and research. Meaningful action is needed to improve the living and working conditions of Canadian farmers. A comprehensive approach that considers the upstream drivers of farmer mental health will help foster a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector while improving the well-being of farmers across Canada.

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